Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-30
A Disgraceful Possibility.


A strangely significant article appears
in 1.-The Herald,"a journal which has bet
ter claims than any other to be regarded
as the organ of the Administration. Ap-
parently it means that Garland, the coun-
sci Of the Virginia regulators, is now to
be permitted to pack the Supreme Court,
as far as President Cleveland has the
power to shape its future action. in the
joint interest of Virginia regulators and
the Pan Electric jobbers. 1t was a
shameful thing that the Attorney General
Of the United States was allowed to appear
before the Supreme Court pleading for
Reputation of bonds, part Of which were
held by the United States. It was still
more shameful thing that the same Attor.
ney-General, having taken large block
of stock as gift, in consideration of his
official and personal countenance OF
scheme to break down patents issued by
the United States. end having pocketed
large sums by allowing his opinion to be
advertised tavoring the company in which
he was interested, was then suffered to
involve the United States Government as
party in a suit for the private gain
of a ring of Democratic politicians
But the climax of disgrace would be
reached if the administration, of which
this same Garland continues Attorney.
General. should select judge OF the Su.
preme Court for the purpose of reversing
decision against the Virginia repudia-
tors, and for the purpose of helping the
telephone jobbers.
There does not seem to be much room
tor doubt that this audacious step is medi
tated. THE Herald points out that the
Supreme Court was almost equally divided
on the Virginia case, and that Judge
Woods. whose place is now vacant, was
one of the majority; that the other judges
if remaining of the same opinion. are
equally divided; and that reversal OF
the former decision may be expected, il
the Judge appointed by President Cleve-
land proves to be on the side OF the
regulators. Then the article sets forth
the very States rights doctrine on which
the rebellion was based, as sufficient rea-
son for refusing to interfere with the
sovereignty of Virginia, if that State
pleases to repudiate its honest debts.
The judge to be selected will not only
have the opportunity OF enabling the At
torney General to earn large fee as
counsel for the regulators, when the case
comes up again, il he can finally get a
favorable decision, but he may have to
pass upon the governments suit, which
involves the validity of the Bell patents,
and consequently the value OF the Pan
Electric job. In the latter scheme, Attor-
ney-General Garland is associated with a
powerful body OF democratic politicians.
nearly all of whom President Cleveland
has distinguished by important appoint
ments or by especial marks of confidence
and favor. 1t would be scandal far sur
passing in shamefulness any other in the
history OF our government, if this ring Of
corrupt office-holders should be helped by
the selection of Judge of the Supreme
Court. Yet selection to serve the Vir'
ginia regulators would be exceedingly
apt to serve the PAM Electric jobbers also
especially if the advice of the Attorney
General has any weight with the Presi
| dent.-N. Y. Tribune.